Donald Trump said he would fill the role of House Speaker for a brief stint if the current candidates are unable to rally enough support.
Multiple Republican lawmakers floated the idea of nominating the former President for Speaker following Kevin McCarthy’s spectacular ouster earlier this week.
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The role has never been filled by anyone outside the chamber. However, the Constitution does not specifically state that the Speaker must be a House member.
Trump addressed the swirling rumors and offered his services if the House finds itself in need of a “unifier” – even if only for a short stint.
“I have been asked to speak as a unifier because I have so many friends in Congress,” Trump told Fox News.
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“They have asked me if I would take it for a short period of time for the party, until they come to a conclusion — I’m not doing it because I want to — I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to make their decision,” he said.
.@AndrewKsay on @RepMattGaetz’s successful ousting of Kevin McCarthy:
“If we get a Jim Jordan out of this, or a Speaker Trump…This will have proven Matt Gatez to be an absolute genius, massive success.” pic.twitter.com/A3aRYrnOFx
— Human Events (@HumanEvents) October 6, 2023
RELATED: Multiple Republicans Suggest Nominating Trump as New House Speaker, ‘Might Be Open’ to the Idea
How Might Trump As Speaker Happen?
Trump is planning to visit the Capitol on Tuesday for a meeting with Republican lawmakers, where according to Fox News, he may pitch his candidacy as Speaker.
Trump indicated that he would take the role for a brief “30, 60, or 90-day period.”
However, it is unclear exactly how that would work, as the House already has an interim Speaker in Representative Patrick McHenry (R-NC).
McHenry, an ally of McCarthy – in fact, chosen by him via House Rules that require a secret list of potential temporary replacements – made waves on his first day by kicking Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) out of her office.
UPDATE: Picture Tonight Outside of former Speaker Pelosi’s Office.. Her staff is actually moving her out of the Speakers Office she refused to vacate as Demanded by the Temporary Speaker..
I can’t stop laughing.. #NoSquatters https://t.co/5iXFxaWjX5 pic.twitter.com/ODIF4R9r7Y
— Matt Couch (@RealMattCouch) October 4, 2023
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Representatives Troy Nehls (R-TX), Greg Steube (R-FL), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) all endorsed the idea of nominating Trump as Speaker, but none indicated a desire for it to be temporary.
Greene, a hardcore backer of McCarthy who did not vote for his removal, reiterated her intentions on Thursday and offered a sneak preview of what it might look like.
“If Trump becomes Speaker of the House, the House chamber will be like a Trump rally everyday!!” she wrote. “It would be the House of MAGA!!!”
If Trump becomes Speaker of the House, the House chamber will be like a Trump rally everyday!!
It would be the House of MAGA!!!
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) October 5, 2023
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RELATED: Interim House Speaker Promptly Evicts Pelosi From Her Office, Warns It Will Be ‘Re-Keyed’
Who Did Trump Endorse?
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Even as he flirts with the idea of assuming the role himself, Trump offered a strong endorsement for a candidate for Speaker very early this morning.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) announced his bid, but it was America First Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) who caught the attention of Trump.
Jordan, chairman of the powerful House Judiciary Committee, announced that he was throwing his hat into the ring on Wednesday.
Rep. @Jim_Jordan announced his run for House Speaker and has already confirmed he is a NO for more Ukraine funding👏🏼
Says Americans are more concerned about our open border and crime on the streets
pic.twitter.com/vXGWaKTw7X— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) October 4, 2023
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Trump posted his endorsement of Jordan on his Truth Social media platform, praising him for his record on crime, the border, veterans … and even his collegiate wrestling record.
“Congressman Jim Jordan has been a STAR long before making his very successful journey to Washington, D.C., representing Ohio’s 4th Congressional District.,” Trump said. “Respected by all, he is now Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.”
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“He is STRONG on Crime, Borders, our Military/Vets, & 2nd Amendment,” he concluded. “He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, [and] has my Complete [and] Total Endorsement!”
BREAKING REPORT: Donald Trump Endorses Jim Jordan for Speaker of The House..
Do you SUPPORT his choice? pic.twitter.com/WknuV0KLJv
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) October 6, 2023
Trump awarded Jordan the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the Nation’s highest civilian honor – just prior to leaving office in January of 2021.
Jordan was given the honor in part for his defense of Trump against impeachment and the Russia investigation, both of which were media-driven embellishments of wrongdoing.
“He is an inspiration to freedom-loving Americans everywhere and has distinguished himself as one of the most consequential members of Congress of his generation,” a White House press release stated at the time.
Under the current circumstances, securing either 218 votes or a majority of lawmakers present in order to ascend to the speakership is going to be an incredibly difficult battle for either of these three men.
Who do you think will rise to the top?
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